On the 23rd February 2026 the Government published the long-awaited Schools White Paper: Every Child Achieving and Thriving.
Alongside this, a consultation document SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First sets out proposals to reform the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) system.
The consultation includes 39 questions on key aspects of the proposed reforms. Not all proposals are open to feedback, meaning families and professionals can influence some areas but not all. A full list of consultation questions can be found in Appendix C, Part B of the document.
The consultation is open for 12 weeks and closes on 18 May 2026.
Accessible versions are available, including:
- Easy-read versions
- A version for children and young people
- British Sign Language video
- Large print and Braille formats
First and Most Important: No Immediate Changes
There has been speculation and misinformation circulating. It is important to know that:
- A White Paper is not law
- No changes to SEND support happen immediately
- Existing legislation remains in place
- Current EHCPs and support arrangements remain legally binding
At this stage, nothing changes for your child or young person.
What Is a White Paper?
A White Paper is a government document that explains ideas for future changes. It is the start of a discussion, not the final decision.
Some proposals may eventually require new laws, while others could be introduced through policy changes. The Government will also review feedback from the consultation before deciding what happens next.
What Happens Next?
The process takes time and includes several stages:
Now – 18 May 2026: Consultation period
Families and organisations can share their views.
After the consultation
The Government reviews feedback and may change some proposals.
If new laws are needed
They must go through Parliament before anything changes.
This means any major changes would take time, and there will be further opportunities for discussion.
Information Guides for Families
The Department for Education has also published a series of summary guides explaining the proposals and what they could mean for families.
The guides include:
• What parents of children and young people with SEND need to know
• What to expect from your child's journey through education
• What every parent can expect from the proposed reforms
• Guidance for parents and carers of children with EHCPs
• Guidance for families with children in special schools
• Guidance for families whose children receive SEND support in mainstream schools and colleges
During the consultation period, the Department for Education has confirmed it will continue discussions with families, schools, colleges, early years settings, and organisations such as the National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF).
What SEND Voices Wokingham Will Do
SEND Voices Wokingham are carefully reviewing the White Paper and consultation proposals. We will work with families to ensure Wokingham Borough voices are heard clearly and constructively.
Over the coming weeks families will have opportunities to:
- Attend engagement sessions to hear your views
- Help shape our local consultation response
- Raise specific issues affecting Wokingham families
- Contribute to the national response through NNPCF
We will also meet regularly with the Local Authority and Integrated Care Board (ICB) during the consultation period.
Engagement Sessions for Families
SEND Voices Wokingham will be hosting three in-person engagement sessions across the borough:
- Tuesday 21 April
- Monday 27 April
- Wednesday 6 May
Further details will be shared very soon.
Need Advice or Support?
If you have concerns about your child's current support or your legal rights:
- Wokingham SENDIASS provides independent and impartial SEND advice If you are concerned about your legal rights or the provision your child or young person is currently receiving.
- The SEND Local Offer provides information about support for children and young people aged 0–25 with SEND and their families in our area
Independent charity IPSEA also has a helpful guide explaining the White Paper proposals.
Remember: existing legal protections remain in place.
A Final Reassurance
Discussions about SEND reform can feel overwhelming. The publication of the White Paper is the beginning of a consultation process, and there is still time for families and professionals to influence the proposals.
We will continue to share updates as more information becomes available.
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